- Taking patient histories and vital signs: Medical Assistants often start patient visits by taking their medical history and recording their vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate.
- Assisting with patient examinations: Medical Assistants may help doctors during examinations by preparing the necessary equipment, assisting with procedures, and providing support to patients.
- Administering medications: Medical Assistants may be responsible for administering medications such as injections or oral medications, as directed by the physician.
- Performing basic laboratory tests: Medical Assistants may collect and prepare specimens for laboratory testing such as blood or urine samples, and perform basic tests, such as glucose or cholesterol tests.
- Updating patient records: Medical Assistants are often responsible for updating and maintaining patient records including medical history, test results, and treatment plans.
- Scheduling appointments: Medical Assistants may handle appointment scheduling including coordinating with patients and other healthcare providers to ensure smooth scheduling and follow-up.
- Assisting with medical procedures: Medical Assistants may assist with minor medical procedures such as wound care, suture removal, or EKGs.
- Providing patient education: Medical Assistants may provide patients with information and instructions regarding their medical conditions, treatment plans, and medications.
- Managing medical supplies and equipment: Medical Assistants may be responsible for ordering and maintaining medical supplies and equipment, ensuring they are properly stocked and in working order.
- Performing administrative tasks: Medical Assistants may also perform various administrative tasks such as answering phone calls, managing patient records, and handling insurance billing and coding.
It’s important to note that the specific responsibilities of Medical Assistants in a doctor’s office may vary depending on the office policies, the complexity of procedures, and the nurse’s supervision. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our Medical Assistant students take advantage of hands-on learning in a clinical setting and are required to have 275 internship hours. The benefit to our graduates is that they can be real world ready when they graduate. To learn more about the Allen School and our medical programs contact us today! www.allenschool.edu